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After a tumultuous polling day marked by violence, the Election Commission of Pakistan has commenced announcing results. As reported by Pakistani daily Dawn, Imran Khan’s Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI)-backed Independents are currently leading in six National Assembly seats, with the Nawaz Sharif-led Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) ahead in five seats and Bilawal Bhutto’s Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) in four seats.
In a notable early win, former Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has emerged victorious from the Lahore constituency. Meanwhile, the country’s Interior Ministry announced a partial restoration of cellular services, hours after they were suspended during polling.
Pakistan’s National Assembly, comprising 336 seats, requires a simple majority of 169 votes for the next Prime Minister to be sworn in. The key contenders in the elections include the PML-N, led by former PM Nawaz Sharif; the PTI, led by Imran Khan; and the PPP, projecting former Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto as its Prime Ministerial candidate.
According to a Reuters report citing broadcaster GEO News, independent candidates supported by jailed ex-PM Imran Khan have secured victories in 21 out of 50 seats where the counting has been completed.
As the political landscape unfolds, Pakistan awaits the finalization of results, which will determine the formation of the next government and the direction of the country’s future.
Also Read: Pakistan Elections 2024: Nation Votes Amid Challenges and High Stakes
